Chiefs RB Jackie Battle Plans To Test Free Agency

[Mr_Tomahawk]

Chiefs RB Jackie Battle Plans To Test Free Agency
by Joel Thorman on Feb 20, 2012 5:16 PM CST in 2012 KC Chiefs Free

"[The Chiefs] said they wanted me back before we left but I was gonna just see what my options were before I made that decision," Battle told Andrew Bogusch and Pat Kirwan on SiriusXM NFL Radio Monday afternoon. "But they said they wanted me back before the season ended."

Battle recognized that this is the NFL and things change so it's possible Chiefs change their mind and look elsewhere for a running back.

"I don't know who they're looking at or what their strategy is," Battle said. "But I'm going to go out there and look around a little bit and if the Chiefs are the best situation for me then I'd love to go back."

He also said he's definitely going to be on the look out for a situation that gives him more carries at running back, whether that's with the Chiefs or another team.


"I played a bunch of special teams throughout my career but I'm a running back true and true," he said. "I want to play as much running back as I can. I'm looking for an opportunity to get a bigger running back role. And hopefully it's with the Chiefs."

Here's the dilemma for the Chiefs: If you lose Battle in free agency, you're losing a backup running back and one of your top special teamers. Battle mentioned on the show that he has played special teams, backup running back and fullback. He was making the point that he can do a lot of different things for the team.

In my mind, Battle should go with the money. He came into the league as an undrafted free agent and until this season was only known as a special teams guy. He's coming off what is by far his best year with seven times as many carries (149) this season as his previous career high (20). His stock may never be higher. And I wouldn't blame him for testing the free agency waters, either.

As for the teams who could be interested, there aren't any known teams with interest. Battle did say that he liked the way the Texans ran their offense. He said he wasn't talking about any particular teams -- just their offense itself -- but it's kinda funny that Battle's hometown is...Houston.

[Dr. Johnny Fever]

He does a have great name for football. For that I'd give him the vet minimum, take it or leave it.

Oh btw, Brianfo's still alive.

[Demonpenz]

He's a dude that given a hole is alright. I wish he was better at short yardage, seems like the small guys that can get sideways and have some wiggle are the best at short yardage.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by ThaVirus

If we draft a RB first day I'll cut your throat.

Havent seen Trent Richardson play, eh?

Dude is a complete beast in all facets of the game.

He would be well worth our pick, if he lasts that long.

A more likely scenario is a team moving up to the pick right before ours to take him because they know he will be on our radar with a significant need at the position.

[royr17]

I actually liked Battle too but I wish him the best of luck, hope he's able to get payday somewhere and do well.

[Setsuna]

Bring him to jacksonville. MJD needs to be spelled or we will run him into the ground.

[KCrockaholic]

Originally Posted by Setsuna

Bring him to jacksonville. MJD needs to be spelled or we will run him into the ground.

I'm a fan of Rashad Jennings. When he's not injured he's a pretty solid HB.

[bevischief]

McDonalds is hiring...

[qabbaan]

If we pick a RB at #10 I am going to puke.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by qabbaan

If we pick a RB at #10 I am going to puke.

If we pick anyone at #10, I'll puke too.

[FAX]

If we pick somebody at #9, I'll puke and also make poo.

FAX

[Crush]

If we pick someone at #8, then I will be irate.

[Radar Chief]

Originally Posted by Setsuna

Bring him to jacksonville. MJD needs to be spelled or we will run him into the ground.

You’d be disappointed. He doesn’t create his own holes like MJD does.

[boogblaster]

ok player .. guess go fo it ......

[Sofa King]

Originally Posted by boogblaster

ok player .. guess go fo it ......

What?

[ShowtimeSBMVP]

The Chargers, still looking to add a veteran backup to Ryan Mathews, had a visitor Tuesday.

Running back Jackie Battle met with team personnel and toured the Chargers facility as one of four candidates in the mix to join the backfield.

Mike Tolbert, who spelled Mathews the past two seasons, reached a four-year deal with the Panthers on Monday.

Battle, 28, spent the first five years of his career with the Chiefs. The bulk of his playing time came last season when he had 149 carries for 597 yards and two touchdowns. He also had nine catches for 68 yards.

If signed, Battle would be reunited with new Chargers fullback Le’Ron McClain, who spent last year in Kansas City.

Mathews and Curtis Brinkley currently stand as the team's lone running backs. The team is also interested in returning fullback Jacob Hester in a reserve role behind McClain.